Ignition timer



1,599,190 G. VAHRENHOLD IGNiTION TIMER Filed August 24. 1923 9 15VENTORBY 5% ATTORNEY Patented Sept. 7, 1926.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

GEORGE C. VAEBENHOLD, OF ST. LOUIS,

MISSOURI, ASSIGNOR TO WAGNER ELEC- TRIO CORPORATION, 01 ST. LOUIS.MISSOURI, A CORPORATION OF DELAV ARE.

IGNITION TIMER.

Application flled August 24, 1923.

My invention relates to ignition timer mechanism of the type in whichthe timing is adjusted by rotation of the timer mounting in itssupporting base. It is usual in such apparatus to have one of thebreaker contacts grounded to the automobile frame the connection beingthrough the mounting and its support and forming a part of the primaryignition circuit. The presence of oil in the bearing between themounting and base frequently interferes with electric connection betweenthese parts and it has been the practice to employ pig-tail connectorsbetween the timer mounting and the base.

The principal object of my invention is to provide a construction bymeans of which pig-tail connections can be dispensed with and one whichembodies conveniently releasable means for retaining the timer mountingin position in its supporting base.

In the accompanying drawing which illustrates an embodiment of myinvention timer base 1 is attached to some part of the automobile, suchfor instance, as the generator end plate, and in this base the timermounting sleeve 2 extends and is rotatable with respect thereto by meansof the arm 3. The sleeve 2 constitutes an extension of the timermounting 4 which carries the breakerarm and contacts, which arm isactuated by a cam on the engine driven shaft 5. This shaft 5 alsocarries the distributor arm cooperating with the contacts on thedistribu tor head 6. The breaker and distributor devices referred toform no part of my invent-ion and being well known are not illustratedin detail.

In mechanism involving my invention as illustrated, the actuation of thearm 3 r0 tates all parts of the timer-distributor except such as arecarried on the engine dr1ven shaft 5, and since the breaker actuatingcam is on this shaft rotation of the timer mounting 4, which carries thebreaker-arm, changes the time of occurrence of ignition sparks withrespect to engine piston position.

To secure the objects of my invention I provide the timer mountingsleeve 2 with a. circumferential groove 7, and in an opening in the wallof the base 1, I insert a retainer assembly comprising the threadedhousing 8 carrying a plunger 9, which plunger is adapted to be held inthe groove 7 by the compression spring 10 and thereeria) No. 659,203.

fore serves to retain the mounting sleeve in position in the base. Sincethe parts mentioned are of conductive material the plunger also acts asa ground brush electrically connecting the base to the mounting sleeveand thus makes it unnecessary to attach pigtail connectors between thebase and the mounting at to secure the reliable electrical contactbetween these members, which is necessary when the common practice ofemploying them as a part of the primary circuit of the ignition coil isfollowed.

A finger piece 11 attached to the plung er and the plunger may therebybe readily retracted to permit withdrawal of the timer from the base.

Having fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In ignition timer mechanism, the com bination of a grounded support,a timer mounting member rotatably carried thereby and forming part ofthe primary ignition circuit, a rotating shaft for actuating the timer,means for rotating the timer mounting in the support, and retainer mechanism adapted to hold the timer mounting in position on the supportwhile permitting its rotation, said mechanism coniprising means adaptedto maintain electrical connection between the support and the timermounting member in all of the operative positions of the latter.

2. In ignition timer mechanism, the combination of a grounded support, atimer mounting rotatably carried thereby and forming part of the primaryignition circuit, said timer mounting member comprising a portionbearing on the top of the support and a sleeve portion. extending intothe support and provided with a circumferential shoulder, means forrotating the timer mounting relative to the support, and a springpressed member mounted on the support and bearing on said sleeve, saidlastnamed member being adapted to maintain electrical connection betweenthe support and sleeve in all of the operative positions of said sleeveand to form a stop cooperating with the shoulder to retain the sleeve inthe support.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and allixed my seal.

GEORGE C. VAHRENHOLD. [L.S.]

